“I lost two dogs 30 days apart," said David Bretz, a neighbor. “One in January, and one in February.”

According to Bretz, 11 area dogs have died recently due to cancer. Another link between the pets: The dogs either routinely played at Peppermint Park, or lived near it.

Bretz believes the problem can be sourced to local farmer who leases part of the park to grow hay. The farmer reportedly uses an herbicide that includes a chemical called 2,4-D.

“It’s the 2,4-D that’s been shown to be a possible carcinogen in dogs,” Rice said.

Springfield Township's environmental advisory committee released a study two years ago, urging the township to make the park safer. It called for only organic herbicides to be used. The recommendation was never put into effect.

Township officials insist there is no evidence showing the dogs died from the park's herbicide.

“It’s not the township’s job to tell someone how to grow hay,” said Township Manager Michael Brown. “And so the products he’s used are perfectly legal.“